British telemedicine pilot program expanded after initial success

A broadband-based system - called Telehealth - that allows health care professional to monitor patients remotely is being brought to British nursing homes.

Telehealth is being deployed to the Woodside House Care Home in Norwich, who had a very successful pilot program earlier this year with 26 of its residents. The new patients who will be monitored by Telehealth include a specialized community for people with dementia.

Stephen Edwards, the managing partner of the Medical Group which supports Woodside's Telehealth explains how the system works:

"With the appropriate electronic units and links in place, it is quite simple for patients, their carer or nurse, to record vital signs and test results. This information is then fed to a nurse within the home or a clinician at the surgery, so that early medical intervention can take place before the patient deteriorates."

Telehealth is best used for patients with heart disease, diabetes or severe respiratory conditions, all of which can lead to health crises and hospital visits if they are not properly managed.

Health technology to be rolled out to care homes (EDP24)